Lexie Brown will miss the rest of the 2023 WNBA season with an unspecified non-COVID illness, the Los Angeles Sparks announced on Aug. 29.
The 28-year-old guard has been “in and out of the hospital” throughout the season, she revealed on TikTok on Aug. 23. She has played in 12 of 35 games for the Sparks, and she last took the court on July 25.
“While Lexie is progressing, after thorough consultation with her, the Sparks training staff, and team doctors, it has been determined that the best decision is to allow Lexie to focus on rest and recovery,” the team said in a statement. “The Sparks fully support Lexie through this process and appreciate respect for her privacy. A further update will be provided when available.”
Brown opened up about her journey in a TikTok video, saying the recovery process has been “a lot longer than I was expecting” and “a lot harder,” but also that “every day is a step in the right direction.”
“I have been struggling,” she said. “Some days are better than others. It’s just been really difficult on my mental. If anybody knows me, they know that I love working out. I’m a gym rat and I haven’t really been able to be myself this entire summer.”
Brown joined the Sparks from Chicago in 2022. Despite her illness, Brown was averaging a career-high 12.4 points per game, as well as 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists. Her shooting percentages — overall and from 3-point range — are also career highs, but she had appeared in just three games since June 14.
“I was sick,” she said. “I’ve been in and out of the hospital for months now. It’s been a very mentally draining process but I’m really doing my best to keep improving, stay positive, surrounding myself with my people, with love, and just getting back to the healthiest and happiest version of myself.”
